Electromagnetic Liquid Metal Pump for Stable X-Ray Jet Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray sources using liquid metal jets face challenges such as non-uniform jet formation, pressure variations, and leakage issues due to inadequate pump performance, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic pump with multiple sections is designed to achieve high pressures by aligning magnetic fields and electric currents perpendicularly to the liquid flow, ensuring a compact and efficient design with reduced moving parts and potential leakage points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a conventional pump is used to pressurize the liquid metal, then the liquid metal can be circulated, but pressure variations and insufficient pressurization capacity occur leading to non-uniform jet formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical pump with an electromagnetic pump that uses electromagnetic fields to pressurize and circulate the liquid metal. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that cause pressure fluctuations, providing smooth and stable pressurization. The electromagnetic pump generates pressure through electromagnetic forces acting on the conductive liquid metal, ensuring uniform jet formation without the pressure variations inherent in mechanical pumping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the pump system by using an electromagnetic pump capable of delivering high, stable pressure with minimal fluctuation. The electromagnetic pump operates by controlling electromagnetic field parameters (current, frequency) to maintain consistent pressure output, thereby achieving the required pressurization capacity while ensuring jet uniformity through parameter stability.
2Productivity
If a conventional pump with moving parts is used, then the liquid metal can be pumped, but leakage occurs at seals and piping leading to metal loss and maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with an electromagnetic pump that has no mechanical moving parts or seals in contact with the liquid metal. The electromagnetic pump uses electromagnetic fields to directly actuate the liquid metal through the pump housing walls, eliminating seal interfaces that are prone to leakage. This design prevents metal loss and avoids the maintenance issues associated with seal replacement, enabling continuous operation without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic mechanical components (seals, pistons, moving parts) from the pump system. By using an electromagnetic pump, the design eliminates the need for mechanical seals and moving parts that come into contact with the liquid metal, thereby removing the primary sources of leakage. The liquid metal is pumped through stationary conduits with no mechanical interfaces, preventing metal loss and contamination.
3Ease of operation
If a pump requiring regular maintenance is used, then the liquid metal can be circulated, but system downtime increases and operational costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump with an electromagnetic pump that has no mechanical moving parts requiring maintenance. The electromagnetic pump operates with stationary components and uses electromagnetic fields to move the liquid metal, eliminating wear and tear on mechanical components. This design significantly reduces or eliminates maintenance requirements, keeping the X-ray source operational for extended periods without interruption and reducing operational costs associated with maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic pump operates without requiring external mechanical actuation or maintenance interventions. The system is designed to operate continuously with minimal attention, as the electromagnetic pump has no mechanical components that wear out or require adjustment. The pump maintains its performance characteristics over time without the need for seal replacement or mechanical repairs, enabling self-sustaining operation that minimizes downtime and operational costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a stable and efficient liquid metal jet for X-ray generation, reducing operational costs and downtime by maintaining high pressures and minimizing leakage, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of X-ray sources.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generating arrangement arranged to provide a magnetic field passing through the liquid in the first conduit section and the second conduit section such that a direction of the magnetic field intersects the flow of the liquid and the direction of the electric current
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromagnetic pump for pumping an electrically conductive liquid is disclosed, comprising a first conduit section and a second conduit section. The electromagnetic pump further comprises a current generator arranged to provide an electric current through the liquid in the first conduit section and the liquid in the second conduit section such that a direction of the electric current is intersecting the flow of the liquid in the first conduit section and in the second conduit section, and a magnetic field generating arrangement arranged to provide a magnetic field passing through the liquid in the first conduit section and the second conduit section such that a direction of the magnetic field is intersecting the flow of the liquid and the direction of the electric current.